St. John the Baptist (Sv. Jovan Krstitel), St John the Forerunner – Bigorski Monastery (Бигорски Манастир, Bigorski Manastir) often referred to as Jovan Bigorski (Јован Бигорски)

Originally, the Bigorski monastery was built in 1021 on Mount Bistra, rebuilt in the 16th & 17th centuries after it was destroyed by the Ottomans and renovated in the 18th century. Inside the church is a very large and ornate iconostasis carved from wood. The craftsmanship in the wood carvings is very detailed and exquisite. Viewing the iconostasis in this church is a humbling experience as you are awestruck by its beauty and the craftsmen’s’ dedication to their Lord. Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed inside the church so we are unable to show you pictures of the iconostasis.

These frescoes are located on the outer wall of the church, actually an alcove, which protects much of the frescoes. The lower portion of the frescoes are briefly exposed to the late afternoon sun and you can see that these parts are partially bleached by the sun.